Controller - Must have retail and/or inventory experience

Job Description

Job Description

Controller - Retail / Multi-location / Inventory

We are helping our retail client in Dallas with a  Controller search that will serve as the head of accounting and financial reporting  playing a critical role in the company’s continued growth. This individual will own the integrity of the general ledger, lead month-end and year-end close processes, manage the accounting team, and provide timely and accurate financial statements to ownership. 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process across all store locations and e-commerce
• Prepare and present accurate, timely financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) with store-level detail
• Ensure GAAP compliance across all financial reporting; manage external audit and tax preparation relationships
• Develop and maintain P&L reporting in the company’s preferred format (TY/LY by store, % of revenue, GP/NOI highlights)

General Ledger & Accounting Operations

• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory accounting, and intercompany transactions
• Oversee payroll processing and ensure accurate recording of compensation, benefits, and related accruals
• Manage sales tax compliance across all Texas locations and upcoming new markets
• Establish and enforce internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accuracy of financial records

Cash Management & Treasury

• Monitor daily cash position across all bank accounts; manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning
• Coordinate with banking partners on credit facilities, covenant compliance reporting, and debt service requirements
• Oversee vendor payment cycles and optimize working capital management

Budgeting & Analysis

• Partner with ownership to build annual budgets and rolling forecasts at the store and department level
• Provide variance analysis and actionable insights on revenue, margins, inventory, and operating expenses
• Support financial modeling for strategic initiatives including new store openings, partnership structures, and capital investments
• Analyze cash margin performance and profitability by channel (retail vs. e-commerce) and by vendor/brand

Team Leadership & Systems

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team; build processes that scale with the company’s growth
• Serve as the primary finance system administrator; optimize use of existing ERP/POS/inventory systems
• Collaborate with the retail analytics and buying teams to ensure alignment between financial and operational data
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting, automation, and overall accounting efficiency

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role
• Strong technical accounting skills and thorough understanding of GAAP
• Retail industry experience, ideally in a multi-location, inventory-intensive environment
• Excellent proficiency with Excel and financial reporting tools and Quickbooks Online

Preferred

• Experience in specialty retail, luxury/premium brands, or apparel
• Familiarity with retail POS systems, inventory management platforms, and data analytics tools
• Experience with multi-state sales tax compliance and new market expansion
• Background supporting M&A, partnership transactions, or complex capital structures
• Exposure to e-commerce accounting including digital marketing spend analysis and channel profitability

\nCompany Description

Thomas Edwards Group is an Executive Search Firm specializing in the direct hire and interim placement of Accounting, Finance, HR and IT professionals. We’ve been in business since 1997 and the Dallas Business Journal has ranked us a Top Search Firm in Dallas and one of the “Best Places to Work” multiple times. Thomas Edwards Group also made the Inc. 5000 list in 2016 and our award-winning team of Search Consultants, which rank among the best and most experienced in the area, includes MBAs, CPAs, former Big 4 Professionals, Controllers, IT Search Professionals, Finance/Banking, and Business Professionals.

Company Description

Thomas Edwards Group is an Executive Search Firm specializing in the direct hire and interim placement of Accounting, Finance, HR and IT professionals. We’ve been in business since 1997 and the Dallas Business Journal has ranked us a Top Search Firm in Dallas and one of the “Best Places to Work” multiple times. Thomas Edwards Group also made the Inc. 5000 list in 2016 and our award-winning team of Search Consultants, which rank among the best and most experienced in the area, includes MBAs, CPAs, former Big 4 Professionals, Controllers, IT Search Professionals, Finance/Banking, and Business Professionals.